Nigeria will send 600 troops to India for training

The Nigerian Army said it would deploy 600 of its personnel to India for specialized jungle and mountain warfare training, starting with 300 personnel.

A statement on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, stated that the first batch of 300 personnel departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.

The training, according to the statement, aims to enhance the troops’ combat capabilities in difficult terrain and strengthen the Army’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The statement read, “COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commenced the deployment of 600 Nigerian Army personnel to India for specialized jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at enhancing the troops’ combat capabilities in difficult terrain and strengthening the Army’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“The first batch of 300 personnel departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, October 22 2026, aboard two Indonesian Air Force aircraft, C-17 and Airbus A321.

“The Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team, Army Training Department Army Headquarters, Major General UG Yusuf, representing the COAS, witnessed the joint departure of the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.

“This training underscores COAS’ commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in forests, mountainous areas and other challenging environments.

“This is also in line with its Command Philosophy, which prioritizes operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and increased combat readiness.”

He also said this would strengthen Nigeria-India defense cooperation and the COAS’ resolve to maintain a robust and mission-ready Army capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.

“Arrangements are being made to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India for training,” the statement said.